Parents going through divorce worry most about the children. The research is more nuanced than most headlines. This guide summarises two meta-analyses, one that compared children of divorce with children in intact families, and one that followed mental health into adulthood.
A modest average difference
A classic 1991 meta-analysis in Psychological Bulletin pooled 92 studies comparing children of divorced, single-parent families with children from continuously intact families. Children of divorce scored lower on a range of well-being measures, but the gap was small: a median effect size of about 0.14 of a standard deviation. The gap was smaller in more rigorous studies and in more recent studies. The most consistent support was for the family conflict explanation, meaning it is conflict around the children that matters, not only the separation itself.
Long-term mental health
A 2019 meta-analysis in the Journal of Psychiatric Research covered 54 studies and 506,299 participants. It found a statistically significant association between parental divorce and every mental health outcome studied, with pooled odds ratios of about 1.29 for depression, 1.12 for anxiety, 1.35 for suicide attempt and 1.48 for suicidal ideation. An association is not proof that divorce alone caused these outcomes, and most children of divorce do not develop these problems.
What parents can do
- Keep conflict away from the children.
- Keep routines such as school, meals and bedtimes stable.
- Keep both parents involved where it is safe to do so.
- Watch for persistent changes in mood, sleep or behaviour and ask a counsellor or paediatrician for help early.
Frequently asked questions
Do children always suffer after divorce?
No. A meta-analysis of 92 studies found a small average difference of about 0.14 standard deviations, and most children adjust.
What matters most for children after divorce?
The 1991 meta-analysis found the most consistent support for the family conflict perspective, so reducing conflict around children is a key factor.
Does divorce raise the risk of depression later in life?
A 2019 meta-analysis found parental divorce was associated with higher odds of depression (about 1.29), though most people are not affected.
References
- Amato PR, Keith B (1991). Parental divorce and the well-being of children: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull. PubMed 1832495
- Auersperg F et al. (2019). Long-term effects of parental divorce on mental health – A meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res. PubMed 31622869
General information, not legal or medical advice. Divorce law and family circumstances vary, so speak to a qualified family lawyer or counsellor about your situation. Last updated 27 October 2026.
